In groundbreaking research, Asia Kaiser, a recent PhD graduate from the University of Colorado Boulder, has demonstrated the utility of synthetic control methods, originally developed in economics, for ecological research. By analyzing data from the iNaturalist platform, which collects biodiversity observations from both professional and citizen scientists, Kaiser and her colleagues identified a significant 15.5% to 20.9% decline in bee observations in Philadelphia in the two years following Hurricane Ida in 2021. Traditional ecological analyses failed to detect this decline, underscoring the potential of participatory science data in urban biodiversity studies. Kaiser emphasizes the challenges of monitoring biodiversity in urban environments, where land use is diverse and data collection can be hindered by access issues. The innovative application of synthetic control methods allows researchers to draw meaningful insights from observational data, paving the way for future studies on the impacts of climate events and urban policy interventions. This research not only advances ecological understanding but also opens new avenues for utilizing citizen science data effectively.